The aloe vera plant is a desert plant indigenous to South Africa that is used to help heal maladies that include burns, insect bites, various skin conditions and constipation. Consuming aloe vera juice or applying it topically is a potent way to enjoy the benefits of this medicinal plant. Aloe vera juice is handy to have around at all times.
How the Aloe Vera Plant Works
Cut open an aloe vera leaf and you will find a clear, sticky gel, similar in consistency to the commercial aloe vera lotions for purchase at a drugstore. The gel holds the key to the aloe vera plant's healing properties. The aloe vera plant contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins, both of which strengthen the immune system. Polysaccharides promote skin cell repair and growth, while glycoproteins soothe irritation and alleviate pain.
Constipation
Aloe vera juice is a popular home remedy for constipation. The antifungal characteristics of aloe vera juice stimulate a healthy digestive system. According to the Mayo Clinic, the aloe latex found inside the aloe leaf contains anthroquinone glycosides, which have proven laxative properties.
Ingesting aloe latex can provoke cramping and diarrhea. To avoid stomach upset, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking gentler herbal laxatives such as cascara and senna before trying aloe vera juice as a home remedy.
To avoid cramping and diarrhea, drink aloe vera juice specifically formulated for ingestion. Either dilute 1 to 4 oz. of aloe vera juice in a cup of apple or cranberry juice, or drink aloe vera juice alone. Do not drink more than 4 oz. of aloe vera juice daily. If constipation persists for more than five days, see a health care practitioner.
Burns and Wound Healing
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, studies have shown that aloe vera helps heal minor burns and scratches. The University of Maryland Medical Center supports this claim by citing research that indicates that participants who used aloe vera had a speedier recovery than those who did not in a study researching the healing qualities of the aloe vera plant.
As a home remedy to treat sunburn or other minor burns, apply small amounts of aloe vera juice directly onto the skin for soothing relief. Aloe Vera should not be used to treat open wounds or deep surgical wounds. Results thus far on the healing properties of aloe vera are inconclusive, but research has shown that when used to treat deep wounds, the plant might hinder healing.
Poison Ivy
Aloe vera juice is a terrific home remedy for soothing skin irritations such as poison ivy or insect bites. After treating the bite or rash for infection, pour aloe vera juice over the affected skin surface to calm and soothe.
Heartburn
Aloe vera juice has been touted as an effective home remedy for heartburn, but the claim is not supported by scientific evidence. Ingest 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice 20 minutes before eating to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn.
Hair Treatment
Aloe vera juice is a home remedy for itchy scalp, excess oil and dandruff. Aloe vera juice naturally balances pH and can be mixed with jojoba oil as a purifying scalp treatment two to three times a week. Apply aloe vera juice directly to the roots of the hair. You can leave treatment on for five minutes, an hour or even overnight.
Acne
The healing properties of aloe vera juice unclog pores, improve circulation, heal infection and lessen swelling and inflammation. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera juice as an acne mask. Allow mask to dry for 15 minutes and rinse face with cold water.
Warnings
Pregnant women, children, and people suffering from kidney, liver and intestinal disease should avoiding ingesting aloe vera juice.
Test aloe vera juice on a small area of the skin in case of allergic reaction before applying juice as a topical remedy.
Aloe vera juice might interact with blood sugar medications, lowering blood sugar levels to an unsafe degree.
Member Comments
HealinnGarden July 6
would like to see a link for sharing these articles on my face book profile can you send me details of how this is achieved i notice there is a twitter one but just a like for the facebook page.